Chopin Prelude in C minor

[chopinrules2005]

I don't know if there is anyone who can tell me this: how do sounds (different frequencies essentially) have psychological effects on people?

I think that the fifth measure depicts the utmost despair... I think it's amazing how he does that. It makes me sad to listen to it.

As opposed to the theoretical reasons does anyone know why sounds can make us feel a certain way?

[donjuan]

I dont know, they just do.  Ask Bach, Im sure he knows!

It all depends on the key the music is written in.  I find, music written in E major to be very touching and wistful, whereas Eb major is silly and content sounding.
For me, the diminished chord is terror and the augmented chord is desperate, sobbing-like.

hey, I just realized this is my 1300th post.  

[bernhard]

I don't know if there is anyone who can tell me this: how do sounds (different frequencies essentially) have psychological effects on people?

I think that the fifth measure depicts the utmost despair... I think it's amazing how he does that. It makes me sad to listen to it.  

As opposed to the theoretical reasons does anyone know why sounds can make us feel a certain way?

Yes, I could. But the subject is to vast. Start with Helmholtz: “On the sensation of tones” (Dover).  and Robert L. Jacobs "Understanding Harmony" (OUP) This, of course is just the tip of the iceberg.

And by the way, it is all theoretical. “Sound is vibration” is a theory. “Vibrations have effects” is another theory. That sounds makes us feel a certain way is also a theory. And how sound goes about it is also a theory. Humans never have true knowledge. All they have is transitory theories and their subjective (and often incomplete) understanding of them.

Best wishes,
Bernhard.

[mound]

Hello, this is my first post, been reading these forums for weeks now.

I found this a brilliant read, in fact I think it's time I read it once again, it's that deep.

The Mysticism of Sound and Music

Bernhard wrote:And by the way, it is all theoretical. “Sound is vibration” is a theory.

This book goes to that theory.

-Paul